Ireland Depart Euro 2016

26 June 2016

France 2 Ireland 1

Ireland have been knocked out of the European Championships.

It was all looking so good for the boys in green after a memorable first half performance that saw Robbie Brady put Ireland into the lead after just two minutes. Until half-time Martin O'Neill's charges played much the better football.

The first ten minutes of the second half continued the theme of the first, France were applying inaccurate pressure, Ireland were dangerous on the break and could have scored when McLean had an opportunity to find Long unmarked on the back post - Hugo Loris intervened to brilliant effect pamling the ball off Long's toe.

Minutes later Ireland had conceded the equaliser, Ireland's defense were caught napping and Sagna crossed for Antoine Griezmann to head past Randolph.

Griezmann had France in the lead almost immediately after the equaliser. Once again the Irish defense went in to shut-down mode and left Griezmann free as a bird on the edge of the box. 2-1.

Then Shane Duffy got a straight red card minutes later.

Failed to load widget object.

Even though Brady and co were a goal and a man down they battled valiantly but in vain. The French secured, on balance, a deserved place in the quarter finals and will play the winners of England v Iceland.

Ireland can look back on a tournament that offered redemption for the Euro 2012 contingent, and enhanced the reputations of Brady, Hoolahan, Coleman et al.